YouMapVancouver

Neighbourhood Mapping ProjectThe Vancouver City Planning Commission conducted a pilot project in partnership with Smart Growth BC to explore a new approach to citizen engagement and community asset mapping. The two case study neighbourhoods selected were Grandview Woodland and Douglas Park.

Storefront location for YouMap festival

The project was based on the idea that the amenities that make neighbourhoods good places to live are a combination of traditional institutional amenities like parks and libraries, as well as ‘soft’ amenities such as neighbourhood-oriented shops and strong social networks. Many are intangible, developing organically through grassroots and private sector initiatives, without City direction. Mapping both kinds of amenities could provide a helpful foundation for conversations about change.

YouMapVancouver used a combination of traditional pubic engagement methods such as neighbourhood asset mapping with new internet-based mapping technologies within the venue of a neighbourhood festival. Residents were engaged in face-to-face dialogues about what they value in their neighbourhoods, and ideas for what could be improved and how that could happen.

Image from YouMap online mapping tool

The outcomes of the pilot project included information about residents’ reflections about their neighbourhood assets and amenities, and reflections on methods of engaging residents in meaningful dialogue about their neighbourhoods. The implementation of the project was supported by a website that provided information and included an interactive mapping tool for residents to use in locating the amenities that they most valued. Information from the website has been incorporated here, along with examples of communication materials.

About this website

This is a legacy website relating to the work of the Vancouver City Planning Commission during 2007-2008. The home page is a blog-style collection of articles reflecting the chronology of activities. The first three tabs in the navigation bar to the right of the home tab navigate to the major projects, with drop-down menus for more information. The Readings tab provides links to contemporary articles on city matters. The final tab provides a link to the main Commission website.